With two mega budget and highly optimistic Bollywood biggies released worldwide, Friday fever has gripped Nagpur like nothing! While some are crazy for Shahrukh-Kajol starrer Dilwale, others are willing to go for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus starring Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone.
The big question that holds relevance to Nagpur audience too, is out of the two who will the city’s film buffs turn to when it comes to liking or for that matter, loving the movie.
Initial trends show Dilwale has nothing new to the story and has wasted many characters in true blue Rohit Shetty style, while Bajirao Mastani is nothing more than just a costume drama. It is dazzling but not bright when it comes to delivering the substance.
Here’s a brief analysis of both the movies
Bajirao Mastani has taken over single screen theatres
Screen numbers will matter for the first three days. More the number of screens for either Dilwale or Bajirao Mastani, greater will be the footfalls and larger the box-office collections. Buzz is Eros has booked a majority of single screen theatres across the country as part of a deal inked while distributing Salman Khan’s ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ during Eid this year. Veteran distributor Ramesh Sippy agrees, “For the moment, the balance is titled slightly in favour of ‘Bajirao Mastani’ since they have single screens with them.”
Multiplex profit greater than single screens
The contribution of single screen profits may not exactly outnumber multiplexes and with ‘Dilwale’ set to open in a big way in multiplexes especially in PVR which is also distributing the film, business will be divided. Explains distributor Manohar Wadhwani of Director Of Heera Laxmi Amusements Pvt. Ltd. and Dilwale’s sole distributor in CP and Berar Circuit, “Today the business of multiplexes are superior as compared to single screen theatres. They may have signed single screens but there are other cinemas in the circuit. The single screen agreement stays true only in the cities where there is a monopoly.”
Overseas SRK is the king
There is no denying that SRK has a large fan base outside India particularly in the Gulf countries as well as in Pakistan. Infact, the actor had – through a televised message – requested his Pakistani fans to support his movie. His Dubai leg of promotions whipped up a desert storm. There would be no denying that fans will flock in first to watch Dilwale.
Marketing strategy
There is no beating King Khan here. From taking over PVR with SRK movie festival to having multiple ground promotional events for every song launch, Shah Rukh Khan has pulled the right strings. Team ‘Bajirao’, on the other hand, seems to be going slow on the promotional front.
Dilwale and Bajirao Mastani Controversy
Now both films have been rocked by controversies. Unfortunately, it is Dilwale that is facing the heat more with a political group asking people to boycott the film over issues surrounding SRK. Bajirao, on the other hand, had to face the ire of Bajirao anbd Mastani descendants who are not happy with the way their ancestors have been portrayed. However, the descendants lack the political muscle to create any serious impediments.
SRK-Kajol v/s Ranveer- Deepika
SRK and Kajol may have a slight upperhand but there is no denying that Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone share a hot and sizzling chemistry together. It remains to be seen who will sizzle more this X’mas.
